I am being arrested by a Fort Lauderdale police office right now
What should I do?
Are you sure you have been arrested or are you just being questioned?
If you have been arrested, you are taken into custody. This means that you are not free to leave .if you have not been arrested you still could be detained or held for questioning for a short time if a police officer thinks you may be involved in a crime. Speak to a criminal lawyer right now.
If you are arrested or detained in Fort Lauderdale , you do not have to answer any questions except to give your name and address and show some identification if requested. Speak to a criminal lawyer now. You can ask the officer id you are being arrested.
You have certain rights if you are arrested. Before the law enforcement officer questions you, he or she must tell you that:
Miranda Rights
You have the right to remain silent.
Anything you say may be used against you.
You have a right to have a lawyer present while you are questioned.
If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you.
Miranda Rights
Your Miranda rights are guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. If you are not given these rights, your lawyer can ask that any statements you made to the police not be used against you in criminal court. But this does not mean that your case will be dismissed. And this does not apply if you offer information without being questioned by the police.
Say next to nothing and
get a lawyer now.
You can be questioned, without a lawyer present. This can only happen if you voluntarily give up your rights and if you understand you have given them up. You should immediately contact a criminal lawyer. We can be on the phone to guide you right now. Once you have been arrested, you have a right to make a phone call to your lawyer. You should contact a criminal lawyer as soon as possible.
Setting Bail
We can also advise you or your family or friends about the bail process. The amount of bail is set by money or other security deposited with the court to insure that you will appear in court. Your bail might be raised or reduced during your arraignment. Or you could ask to be released on Own Recognizance.
Do not resist the arrest. Resisting an arrest is a crime.
You Must Have A Lawyer At This Point—
The Arraignment
You will stand in front of a judge and enter a plea to the criminal charges filed against you. At the arraignment, you can plead guilty or not guilty. You can also plead nolo contendere. You should consult with a Fort Lauderdale criminal attorney before entering any kind of plea.
What happens at a preliminary hearing?
During the preliminary hearing (usually within 10 court days of the arraignment), the Fort Lauderdale district attorney’s office will present evidence showing a reasonable suspicion that a crime was committed and that you did it. Of the criminal court judge is convinced that there is sufficient evidence to bring you to trial a jury trial date will be set. At this point your choice of a criminal defense attorney can make a big difference.